MikeGottsch
Member
Hello all. I am an extract brewer since 2003. I want to make spruce beer. I already have the recipe I want, and it calls for spruce tips (fresh growth). I would appreciate advice on the following:
1. Where can I get spruce tips?
2. Can I take them from an Alberta spruce in my yard, even though not new growth? Will that work? Why/why not?
3. Twice previously I made spruce beer using spruce essence. I used 1 tablespoon per 5 gal batch per the recipe. It was way overpowering to the point of being undrinkable. Does the spruce essence in correct proportion replicate the fresh spruce tips taste? If so, how much should I use if I end up having to use essence? I would guess a quarter teaspoon per 5 gal batch.
Any advice would be most appreciated.
1. Where can I get spruce tips?
2. Can I take them from an Alberta spruce in my yard, even though not new growth? Will that work? Why/why not?
3. Twice previously I made spruce beer using spruce essence. I used 1 tablespoon per 5 gal batch per the recipe. It was way overpowering to the point of being undrinkable. Does the spruce essence in correct proportion replicate the fresh spruce tips taste? If so, how much should I use if I end up having to use essence? I would guess a quarter teaspoon per 5 gal batch.
Any advice would be most appreciated.